Post Office Act, 2023 Officially Comes Into Effect

The Post Office Act, 2023 has officially come into effect on Tuesday. The Act replaced the Indian Post Office Act, 1898. As per the provisions of the Act, the government can intercept an article transmitted through India Post on specified grounds, including security of the state and public order. An interception may be carried out on the occurrence of any public emergency or in the interest of public safety or tranquility.  Such interceptions may be carried out by the central government, state governments, or any officer specially authorized by them.  

An intercepted shipment can be



detained or disposed of by the officer in charge.  The officer also has powers to open, detain, or destroy shipments carrying items prohibited under the Act or any other law. The Act also states that the Director General of Postal Services will be appointed to head India Post.  He will have powers to make regulations on various matters including tariffs for services and supply of postage stamps.

The Parliament passed the Post Office Bill 2023 in December, last year. It received the assent of the President of India on 24th December 2023.